field

Field Trials for Cultivar Evaluation; Soil and Root Health

Dan Citrus, Huanglongbing (HLB)/Citrus Greening, Research

University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) citrus researchers are collaborating on ground-breaking research projects to fight against HLB. They are working with researchers at the University of California-Riverside (UC-Riverside), Texas A&M, and Washington State University on a project to field-test new citrus cultivars for tolerance or resistance to HLB. The research is funded by the U.S. …

tarping

Tarping Proven to Reduce ACP Movement

Dan Citrus, Huanglongbing (HLB)/Citrus Greening

Researchers at the California Data Analysis and Tactical Operations Center (DATOC) have analyzed Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) trapping data along major transportation routes before and after tarping regulations for bulk citrus shipments were enacted. The purpose was to determine the effectiveness of the policy. DATOC is an independent group of scientists sponsored by the Citrus Research Board and the California …

irrigation

Irrigation and Nutrition Management in the Era of HLB

Dan Citrus, Huanglongbing (HLB)/Citrus Greening, Irrigation, Water

A solid nutrition and irrigation program can enhance the productivity of HLB-affected trees and improve citrus tree health, potentially making production profitable even under HLB conditions. This was the subject of Davie Kadyampakeni’s talk during a March 9 OJ Break virtual meeting held for citrus growers. Kadyampakeni is a University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) assistant …

canker

The Search for Canker-Resistant Satsumas

Dan Citrus, Huanglongbing (HLB)/Citrus Greening, Research

Citrus canker, a highly contagious bacterial disease of citrus, was first detected in Louisiana around 1914 and declared eradicated by 1940. However, the disease reappeared in the state in 2013. Right now, there are no effective treatments to eliminate the disease after the infection has occurred. Adding insult to injury, Louisiana’s hot and humid climate is especially conducive to the …

new research

New Research on HLB-Associated Fruit Drop

Dan Citrus, Huanglongbing (HLB)/Citrus Greening

Tripti Vashisth revealed new research information on what causes preharvest fruit drop and possible strategies to mitigate the problem. The Florida citrus industry, stricken by HLB, has suffered a sharp increase in preharvest fruit drop, leading to a substantial reduction in citrus production. According to Vashisth, assistant professor of horticulture at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences …

decline

Florida Citrus Industry Continues Decline

Dan Citrus, Huanglongbing (HLB)/Citrus Greening

Florida citrus production has decreased for almost two decades. According to Marisa Zansler, director of economic and market research at the Florida Department of Citrus, the two main factors for the state’s steady decline are citrus greening (huanglongbing, known as HLB) and Hurricane Irma. Zansler presented staggering statistics during the Florida Agricultural Policy Outlook Conference on Feb. 26 that showed …

common diseases

Prepare for Citrus Canker Season

Dan Citrus, Huanglongbing (HLB)/Citrus Greening

Now that bloom has arrived, it is time to start thinking about canker management. As the fruitlets develop, they will become susceptible around the end of March to the beginning of April. The spring fruit lesions are particularly concerning because they cause fruit drop. Without proper management, early-season canker can cause 90 to 100% crop loss with favorable spring weather …

bioological

Biological Control of the Asian Citrus Psyllid

Dan Citrus, Huanglongbing (HLB)/Citrus Greening

Managing the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) is critical because of its role in spreading huanglongbing (HLB). Biological control is one method for ACP control. It is essential for developing integrated and sustainable pest management strategies. Biological control has always been a vital component of citrus pest management in Florida; understanding its contribution to the mortality of ACP is crucial. Despite …

irrigation

Improving Root Health in the Era of HLB

Dan Citrus, Huanglongbing (HLB)/Citrus Greening

Developing and maintaining a healthy root system is crucial for establishment and long-term productivity of citrus trees. The presence of HLB can greatly complicate citrus root-health management. The infection causes severe damage to fibrous roots that amplify the detrimental effects caused by other root pests and pathogens, such as phytophthora root rot. Due to HLB’s widespread presence throughout Florida, root-health …

canker

Canker Treatment Uses Less Water and Copper

Dan Citrus, Huanglongbing (HLB)/Citrus Greening

An important bacterial disease that affects citrus trees and causes lesions, the citrus canker has been effectively controlled by spraying copper. However, standard management techniques involve spraying excessive amounts of copper and water without consideration for the size of the trees. “This technique resulted in a waste of resources as well as higher costs, detrimental environmental impact, and risk for …